SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF ANCESTOR WORSHIP

This research addresses the problem of a cognitive bias linked to negative representations of ancestor worship. Indeed in a context where communication with the supreme being remains a priority for all we are witnessing a utopian monopolization of this communication by certain religions (Christianity Islam). Their encounters with the practice of ancestor worship which is an essential part of traditional Cameroonian religions in general and Bamiléké in particular raise complex issues and important questions in Cameroon. This study also sheds light on the practice of ancestor worship the aim of which is to establish a connection with the divine. Since the impure cannot enter into direct contact with absolute purity he needs those who have already begun the path of purification (ancestors) to act as his intermediaries. In this process it is the ancestors who act as intermediaries between the living (impure) and the supreme being (absolute purity). This book presents the marginalist nature of Christian religions with regard to the practice of ancestor worship and suggests a number of possible solutions.